News From the Archdiocese of Birmingham

Reflection: SS Peter and Paul Apostles

ubi Petrus, ibi ecclesia

where Peter is, there is the church

These words written above the doorway to the church here in Sutton Coldfield are a reminder that we are part of something universal.

We might reflect on how Peter is paired with Paul on today’s feast: a telling sign that Christian living is never about going it alone.

The saints are very human and are not often very ‘religious’ people in the way people might have expected. Paul, previously known as Saul, witnessed the killing of Stephen; stood by and let it happen, went on to persecute members of the Way. Peter as we know would be called satan by Jesus and would deny him.

The rock of the church, which we see above the church’s doorway every time we enter, is secure because it’s a faith built up lovingly by the Lord but it also is never bricks and mortar only: it’s always flesh and blood, our flesh and blood.

That of course is the risk and the challenge – God knows that! He entrusts the Church to us, and we panic and think, no Lord, I’m not worthy, or we say in a British tradition, that’s very kind of you thank you most dearly, but perhaps you might consider someone else.

Yet, the living church also rests upon our shoulders and therefore we thank God it’s not only our shoulders, but also of those of the Saints and Apostles, Peter and Paul, strengthening us in the faith.

Fr Ryan Service
Holy Trinity and Sacred Heart, Sutton Coldfield

St Chad's Cathedral - Visitation of Fatima Statue and Relics

THIS SATURDAY, 28 June at St Chad's Cathedral

Join us for the visitation of the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, and the Relics of Saints Jacinta and Francisco.

Including:

• Enthronement and Crowning of the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue (NPVS)
• Holy Mass
• Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
• Enrolment and Investiture of the brown scapular
• Fatima Devotions
• Veneration of the Relics of Saints Jacinta and Francisco
• Fatima talk and film
• Recitation and meditation of the Holy Rosary Mysteries

National Churches Trust Survey: Deadline extended to Sunday 13 July

The National Churches Trust (NCT), a major grant funder for places of worship, has launched a survey to better understand the challenges that churches face, and to highlight the vital work which our churches do.

This survey has the support of denominations, faith, and heritage groups across the country and we wish to encourage all churches throughout the Archdiocese of Birmingham to take part.

Your response will provide essential evidence to build a clearer picture – to tell a stronger, more informed story about your church, and others like it, so that NCT can try to address some of the biggest challenges facing churches and help ensure their future.

It’s really important that Catholic churches respond to this survey. Indeed the more of our churches which participate, the better. If we can show strong support for this survey, it may possibly also strengthen our case for grant funding support in the future.

Therefore, the more churches that take part, the more impactful it will be. The survey is live until Sunday 13 July.

Could you be a Foundation Governor or Director?

Invitation from Archbishop Bernard to live out your faith through service

The Archdiocese of Birmingham has 236 Catholic schools and 16 Multi-Academy Companies, all in need of Foundation Governors and Directors.

We are seeking practising Catholics to help shape the future of Catholic education by supporting and challenging school leaders, and upholding the Archbishop’s vision.

Watch a video to hear from Archbishop Bernard, school leaders, and current governors and directors about how rewarding the role can be.

Opportunities are available across the Archdiocese, and all skills and backgrounds are welcome.

Pilgrimage of Hope around Birmingham City Centre

Launch date for the self guided summer pilgrimage is Thursday 3 July from 11-3. Starts and ends at St Chad's Cathedral.

For the Pilgrims of Hope jubilee year, Father Hudson's Caritas has been developing a pilgrimage of hope around Birmingham city centre. It includes 10 locations around the city centre and would take about 90 minutes to walk with no stops. It is a self-directed walk, and we have created a booklet with reflections, prayers, and ideas for social action.

The launch date is Thursday 3 July from 11-3. On this day, we will have refreshments in the Grimshaw Room (at St Chad's Cathedral), and members of Father Hudson's Caritas team will be available to discuss the charity and their role within it. There will also be some of the projects open, on the route, such as Tabor Living, to speak to the staff who support people experiencing homelessness in the city.

Staff will be around from 11-3. How you plan the day is flexible, but will be guided by the booklet, and Father Hudson's staff will be along the route at different stops.

Mass will be at 12:15 pm at the Cathedral if you would like to attend.

Harvington Hall Pilgrimage - Please register your parish coach

The annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the English Martyrs, Sunday 7 September

This year the principal celebrant will be Archbishop Bernard Longley.

Mass: 3pm

Confessions: 1.45pm – 2.30pm

It is essential that you bring your own chairs and packed lunch.

Parishes bringing a coach: it is essential we know if you intend to bring a coach.

Please e-mail stmary.harvington@rcaob.org.uk by Monday 25 August at the latest so that a parking place can be reserved for your coach.

Invitation from the Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT)

Saturday 5 July 11.30am - 4.30pm. Come join us and celebrate the Jubilee of Hope.

We will be joining together for a day to explore the theme of hope, the point of jubilee and the purpose of pilgrimage.

There will be activities and workshops for young people from different age ranges, with activities led by SVP (St Vincent de Paul Society), St Chad's volunteers, Kenelm Youth Trust and many more.

The guest speaker is Fr Frankie Mulgrew.

The day ends with the Diocesan Jubilee Mass for Young People with Bishop Timothy Menezes as the main celebrant and preacher.

Ethnic Chaplaincies Jubilee Year Pilgrimage

Honouring Our Lady of Evesham, Saturday 5 July

All welcome to join the Pilgrimage on Saturday 5 July with Mass at 12noon.

At the Church of the Immaculate Conception & St Egwin, Evesham in Worcestershire, one of the pilgrimage churches in our Archdiocese.

Refreshments after Mass and a talk on the Evesham Apparition, followed by a visit to the site of the ruins of the Benedictine Abbey.

Join us at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes

Fr Jeremy Howard, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes in Hednesford, has released a short video inviting all to participate in the 2025 Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes on Sunday 6 July.

This pilgrimage, an annual event within the Archdiocese of Birmingham, provides an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and community as we gather in faith at our very own grotto.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Hednesford holds special significance as a place of healing and devotion. Whether you are a returning pilgrim or joining for the first time, this journey is a chance to deepen your spiritual life and ask for Our Lady’s intercession.

Let us walk together in faith and prayer. We hope to see you there.

All welcome: Mass for Children and Young People with special needs and disabilities

Saturday 12 July at St Thomas More, Shedon.

11am followed by refreshments.

Join the North Staffs Eucharistic Congress

Thursday 10 - Saturday 12 July - “Come to the Eucharistic Heart”

What is a Eucharistic Congress? It is not just a conference, but it is an event in the life of the Church, and elements of the Congress will be taking place across the North Staffs Deanery.

The Congress will open on Thursday evening with a Deanery Station Mass, celebrated by His Grace Archbishop Bernard Longley, beginning at 7pm at Sacred Heart Church in Tunstall.

There will be representatives from all the schools in the Deanery, and as many parishioners as possible are also invited, so that this is a great celebration.

This Mass brings together the celebration of the Jubilee Year, the gift of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, as well as thanksgiving in the year of the centenary of the federation of the City of Stoke-on-Trent.

Please register your attendance!

Sponsorship and Partnership Opportunities with 3C’s Catholic Community Club Football Teams

3C’s football club, a long-established Catholic community football club currently based at John Henry Newman Catholic College in Chelmsley Wood, is seeking sponsorship and / or partnership opportunities to help fund new kits for the grassroots teams and support the ongoing mission to foster sportsmanship, teamwork and community spirit among young people.

The Club has 22 teams across all abilities, age groups, with boys and girls teams. There are approximately 250 players.

It has recently acquired Mackadown sports pitches (Mackadown Lane, Sheldon) as its new ‘home’. It will be fondly named the Arthur Farrell stadium in memory of the Catholic Irish man who founded the club in 1971.

The club's games and training sessions attract a wide local audience, offering a wonderful opportunity to strengthen ties between the parish and local Catholic sporting community.

If you can help please contact Connor Keenan at the club via connorkeenanlfc@gmail.com

Applications now open for the One Hope Academy

The OHP Academy is a six-month online worship school for aspiring worship leaders, musicians and songwriters who are seeking to deepen their relationship with Jesus while developing their practical gifting to serve within their local context.

One Hope Project has over a decade of experience in worship, songwriting and equipping others for ministry, rooted in a lifelong journey of following Christ.

We’re excited to be launching our fifth cohort this year, having already graduated over 70 participants from 13 countries worldwide.

Applications for the 2025/26 intake are now open.

2025 Spirituality Summit at the Carmelite Priory, Oxford

In a world that often feels uncertain, Saint Thérèse’s message of hope shines brighter than ever.

Join us online or at the Carmelite Priory in Oxford for the 2025 Spirituality Summit as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of her Canonisation and explore how her "little way" can transform our lives.

Friday 11 and Saturday 12 July. Online or in-person at Carmelite Priory, Oxford.

Featuring renowned speakers like Dr Susan Muto (USA), Fr Vincent O’Hara (Ireland), and Dr Heather Ward (UK), this summit is your opportunity to deepen your faith, connect with a global community, and rediscover the power of hope.

Spirituality Summer School

Sunday 13 - Thursday 17 July, (Hybrid – In-Person & Online)

The Scripture and Spirituality Summer School is a one-week programme hosted by the Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality.

Guided by Dr Susan Muto, a world-renowned expert in Teresian spirituality, and the Carmelite friars of Oxford.

The summer school offers opportunities for biblical and spiritual formation to suit all Christians – laity, religious, clergy and the inquisitive.

The programme invites you to explore the timeless wisdom of Saint Teresa of Avila and deepen your relationship with God.

Book now! WeBelieve Festival at St Mary's College, Oscott

Friday 25 to Monday 28 July

A celebration of Catholic life.

WeBelieve is a project created and funded by The Guild of Our Lady of Ransom in collaboration with St Mary's College, Oscott.

This festival is a bringing together of Catholic ministries and creatives from across the UK to mark the 2025 Jubilee Year, proclaimed by Pope Francis, with a celebration of Catholic life.

Archbishop Bernard and Bishop Timothy are joining the line-up, which features a diverse range of Catholic musicians, creatives and speakers, including Dr Gianna Emanuela Molla (daughter of St Gianna Molla), Fr Paul Murray, Msgr Michael Nazir-Ali, AnMari, Fr Toby Lees and many more.

Ahead of the festival, Archbishop Bernard has shared a message:

"I look forward to welcoming you to the WeBelieve Festival at St Mary’s College, Oscott. I am immensely grateful that the Seminary community and the Guild of Our Lady of Ransom are offering this wonderful opportunity for us to witness to our Catholic faith as pilgrims of hope during the Jubilee Year. Pope Leo has encouraged us to be the light of Christ in today’s world. The WeBelieve Festival will enable each of us to draw closer to Jesus personally as the source of that light."

This event is for everyone and you can book as a family, group of friends, parish group or individual. This festival is brand new and you are invited to build it with us.

Jobs and Volunteering

Opportunities with the Archdiocese and other organisations

The Archdiocese is recruiting for a RICS Chartered General Practice Surveyor to join its Property Team.

Closing date: 12noon on Monday 30 June.

Father Hudson’s Caritas provides social care throughout the Archdiocese.

A number of roles are currently available including:

Family Support Workers

Supervising Fostering Social Care Worker

Day Service Support Worker

Foster Carers

Relief Support Worker

The Ministry of Justice are recruiting for a RC Chaplain at HMP Hewell, Redditch.

Closing date: Friday 4 July.

Community Fundraiser - Aid to the Church in Need

Working from home, covering the Dioceses of Birmingham, Northampton, Hallam, Nottingham and Shrewsbury.

Full time/Permanent role to include evenings and weekends.

The post is to work in parishes, schools and the wider Christian community.

The post holder will be part of a thriving, positive Community Outreach team culture.

This post is ideal for a creative, enthusiastic fundraiser who is self-motivated, willing to learn from others and keen to make a real difference in the lives of suffering and persecuted Christians around the world.

Deadline for applications: Interviews will be held as suitable candidates are shortlisted, so please don’t delay.

Unlock an Extraordinary Opportunity with KYT's Mission Team!
Are you (or someone you know) aged 18–25 and ready to make a difference?

KYT's Mission Team invites you to embark on a journey of impact and transformation!

By joining the Mission Team, you’ll:

• Inspire young people through engaging retreats and youth ministry.
• Develop leadership and teamwork skills while growing in faith and sharing your faith with others.
• Be part of a dynamic team, exploring and developing your gifts.
• Gain nationally recognised qualifications in outdoor education.
• Build lifelong friendships and create unforgettable memories.
• Explore opportunities for apprenticeships and further study.
• Be a positive force for change in the lives of others.

This is your chance to be part of something truly meaningful. Whether it’s leading outdoor activities, empowering the next generation, or simply exploring your faith journey, there’s a place for you on the Mission Team.

Know a young person who might be interested? Please share this exciting opportunity with them and encourage them to apply today.

ADoRE spiritual mini-retreat: "PILGRIMS OF HOPE – ALONG WITH MARY”

Saturday 28 June on Zoom

Including Mass, Adoration, Praise, Prophecy, Prayer for the gifts of the Holy Spirit and inspiring talk from guest speaker Joe Livingston.

Please register for the free Zoom meeting in advance.

SVP Pilgrimage to Walsingham

Sunday 6 July

Join the St Vincent de Paul Society for a pilgrimage to Walsingham in this year of Jubilee.

A wonderful occasion to gather members from all across the Society, taking place on Sunday 6 July.

The day will include Mass, Anointing of the Sick and Benediction.

St Benedict Week

Saturday 5 - Sunday 13 July, Worth Abbey West Sussex

The Lay Community of St Benedict (LCSB) is hosting St Benedict Week for the third year running.

The highpoint of this year will be the celebration at Worth Abbey marking the 50th anniversary of the Church’s consecration, featuring a keynote talk by Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder. There is still space for visitors who can email comms@lcsb.uk

In addition, there is an inspiring programme of talks, blogs, podcasts, and opportunities for prayer. On our website, we’re encouraging people to visit a Benedictine monastery to pray with their nearest monastic community.

This year also marks the 60th anniversary of Pope St Paul VI’s declaration of St Benedict as Patron of Europe, and we’ll be reflecting on what St Benedict’s message means for us today through contributions from Dr Charles Insley, Baroness Sheila Hollins, Dom David Foster, Dom Brendan Coffey, and many other Benedictine voices.

York and the North: Heartland of Faith and Hope

Booking now open for ACN Pilgrimage, Monday 21 - Saturday 26 July

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is inviting bookings for the July Pilgrimage.

York and Yorkshire are at the heart of the English story of Christianity and Catholicism. In exploring York and its surroundings towns: Ripon and Beverley, and the site of the Cistercian Monastery at Fountains we will deepen our understanding of why our faith had such deep roots in this area.

Society of St Gregory Annual Summer School 2025

30 July – 2 August

Liverpool Hope University. Jubilee 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope.

The theme of Jubilee and Hope will be reflected in our liturgies and music, providing us with an opportunity to reflect on what we have learned and to consider how we might take the message of hope back to our parish communities.

Keynote Speaker – David Wells, a pastoral leader and well known speaker encouraging and inspiring
people to share the joy of the gospel, through the lens of building parish life.

Director of Music – Martin Barry, a parish musician, composer and former Cathedral Director. He is
President of Universa Laus, the international study group for liturgical music.

We welcome both Residential and Day Delegates and Bursary Funding is available.

Holidaying in Devon? Light a Candle at St Boniface Crediton

Light a Candle at the National Shrine - A Beautiful Act of Faith

As we have celebrated the Feast of St Boniface this month (June), the Jubilee Year offers a special opportunity for reflection, celebration, and unity in faith.

Lighting a candle at the National Shrine is a profound way to participate - it symbolises prayer, devotion and our connection with Our Lord.

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